Urban Reviews:  How did the idea for this book come about?
Takerra Allen:  Thicker Than Water is actually based loosely on myself and my friends. More so with our personalities and some similar situations, but exaggerated. I wanted to write a book that was entertaining but also relatable by young girls and something that dealt with a lot of issues that young woman face today.

Urban Reviews:  Why did you decide to become a writer?
Takerra Allen:  Believe it or not, I’ve been writing since childhood. Whether it was poetry, songs, short stories, and even raps. So when the characters came to me one day I began writing down ideas and the story seemed to flow. It was probably the most natural thing that I have ever done.

Urban Reviews:  What things about the book industry have taken you by surprise?
Takerra Allen:  I was surprised truthfully by how cut throat the industry can be. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met great people that have offered priceless advice and have helped. But I also noticed that a lot of people can be very cold and divided. With Urban Fiction already having so many people looking down on it, I thought that the Urban Fiction Community would be more united.

Urban Reviews:  What do you say to people or even other authors that continue to shun street lit?
Takerra Allen:  I say to each, his or her own, but to shun street lit is to shun reality. Urban culture and the issues we deal with are happening all around us. People writing about it does not create it nor even glorify it. We are simply the scribers and story tellers of what is happening. Truthfully, I know people who would not even read if it were not for urban fiction. It’s like hip hop when it first started. Shun it or embrace it, but it’s not going anywhere.

Urban Reviews:  Who or what inspired you to want to become a writer?
Takerra Allen:  Books, being a reader, incredible authors, and people around me – that is what inspired me. Authors like Tracy Brown, Kwame Teague, Deja King, K’wan, Nikki Turner, and that’s just to name a few, write life stories. They write books that penetrate you and leave you thinking. I said to myself, "I want to do that."

Urban Reviews:  Do you have any ideas or plans for any upcoming projects?
Takerra Allen:  I do. My business partner and I actually own an entertainment company entitled Heaven Inc and we deal with promotion and model management as well as the publishing. So I will continue with that. Of course I plan to flood the book market and expand myself as a community activist and public speaker. I also want to get our foundation, Hidden Wings off of the ground which is going to be for young girls and building their self worth and self esteem.

Urban Reviews:  What do you like to do besides write?
Takerra Allen:  I love to read probably as much as I love to write. Which I think every person should study and master their craft. Other than that, I am a Reality TV junkie and a fan of classic movies. I also love music of all kinds.

Urban Reviews:  What things can you suggest to other writers that are thinking about self-publishing their novel?
Takerra Allen:  Thinking of self publishing? DO IT! Be prepared for blood, sweat and tears, and hard work. But it’s totally worth it in the end. You just have to believe in yourself and in your work and have patience.

Urban Reviews:  Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your novel?
Takerra Allen:  About myself- I guess that I am just taking everything in, learning and growing but that I am so happy to be here. I am so appreciative of the people that are supporting me and I promise to give my very all to everything that I do. I won’t let you down and thank you.

About my book- BUY IT! I wrote Thicker Than Water for you, the readers and lovers of urban fiction. It really has something for everyone.